Ultimate Warrior: Wrestling legend dies aged 54

updated 4:01 AM EDT, Thu April 10, 2014

Ultimate Warrior, a legend of professional wrestling, passed away on Tuesday aged 54. He is fondly remembered by fans for his bright face paint and his exploits in the ring during the late 1980s and 1990s.

During his career, Ultimate Warrior enjoyed a rivalry with fellow American star Hulk Hogan. "RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH," Hogan tweeted upon hearing the sad news.

Triple H is one of the biggest names in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which is the modern incarnation of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) that Ultimate Warrior once fought in. "Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior," he said via his official Twitter account. "Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters."

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Ultimate Warrior passes away

Ultimate Warrior passes away

Ultimate Warrior passes away

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Former professional wrestler Ultimate Warrior dies aged 54

He was born James Hellwig, but changed his name to Warrior in 1993

The cause of his death is not yet known, he leaves a wife and two daughters

Ultimate Warriors was a star of the World Wrestling Federation in the late 1980s and the 90s

(CNN) -- On Wednesday the wrestling community and fans around the world mourned the passing of Ultimate Warrior, one of the biggest and brightest stars of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Born James Hellwig, before legally changing his name to Warrior in 1993, he is fondly remembered by many for his rivalries in the ring and for his trademark vivid face paint.

He died aged 54 and is survived by his wife and two daughters. The cause of his death is not yet known.

"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," read a statement fron WWE, the modern incarnation of the WWF.

Tributes to the former WWF world champion poured in from throughout the wrestling world, including from his former rival Hulk Hogan.

Triple H, real name Paul Michael Levesque, is one of the modern day WWE "superstars" and he also mourned the death of Ultimate.

During his appearance on Raw, Ultimate gave a poignant speech.

"No man becomes a legend on their own," he told the arena. "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath.

"And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers -- by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever."